Blankets, Quilts, and Comforters:
Articles in Civil War Era Newspapers
1860
[Little Rock] Old-Line Democrat, January 5, 1860, p. 4, c. 4
Blankets.
I have on hand a few pair of fine Bed-Blankets, Blue Blankets, Grey
Blankets, etc., which I will sell cheap.
Loui George.
[Little Rock] Old-Line Democrat, January 5, 1860, p. 4, c. 4
Extra Fine.
Bed Blankets, 8-4, 10-4, and 12-4, for sale for Cash, at
low prices, by
Filkins.
Gents Shoulder Blankets.
Plain and Fancy, at prices to suit all—at
Filkins.
[Little Rock] Old-Line Democrat, January 5, 1860, p. 4, c. 3
Red Blankets and Blue Blankets,
Of a Superior Quality—For sale by
Brugman & Co.
[Little Rock] Old-Line Democrat, January 5, 1860, p. 4, c. 3
Cotton Laps! Cotton Laps!
For making quilts and comforts, for sale very low, by
Brugman & Co.
Oct. 13, 1859.
[Marshall] Texas Republican, May 19, 1860, p. 2, c. 5
White Goods.
A very handsome stock of . .
Marseilles and Honey Comb Quilts, Furniture Dimity, Bonnet Cord, &c., just
received and for sale at prices to suit the times by.
Bradfield & Talley.
Mobile Daily Register, May 30, 1860, p. p. 1, c. 3
List of
Premiums Awarded the Seventh Annual Fair at the
Mobile Agricultural and Horticultural Society
Held 10th and 11th May, 1860
......[copied all needlework]
Quilts
No. 52--One imitation
Marseilles work, double wreath center and corner bouquets, 1st prem, Mrs. Hatter
$5 00
" 52--One
imitation Marseilles, wreath and bouquet in the center, 2d prem, Mrs. J. C.
Holcomb
$3 00
" 52--One wreath
and bouquet center crib quilt 3d prem, Mrs. M. A. Fordney
$2 50
" 164--Triangle
star, white, brown and yellow, 4th prem, Mrs. M. A. Fordney
$2 50
" 153--Yellow and
Red Dahlia, 5th prem, Mrs. S. S. Ruggles
$2 50
" 146--One Quilt,
Rose of Sharon, 6th prem Mrs. J. C. Rupert
$2 50
" 62--One wreath
Quilt, made by a lady 80 years old, 7th prem, Mrs. McKibbon
$2 50
" 58--One star
Quilt, diamonds intermixed, 8th prem, Miss S. P. Stodder
$2 50
" 151--One Quilt,
Tulip and squares, 9th prem, Mrs. J. A. Battelle
$2 50
" 170--One Quilt,
double Irish chain, 10th prem, Mrs. P. E. Collins
$2 00
" 17--One crib
Quilt, crown and star pattern, each crown containing 97 pieces, 11th prem, Mrs.
H. B. Harwood
$2 00
" 148--One patch
work quilt, made by a little boy 8 years old, special, Master Albert Golay
$1 00
" 46--One Quilt,
diamond and half diamond pattern, 12th prem, Mrs. L. Cage
$2 00
" 58--One Quilt,
diamond and half diamond pattern, 13th prem, Miss Sallie A. Stodder
$2 00
" 46--One Quilt,
14th prem, Mrs. L. Cage
$2 00
" 145--One Quilt,
block work, special, Mrs. J. C. Rupert
$2 00
" 163--One Jenny
Lind Quilt, palm leaf border, 15th prem, Mrs. H. Goff
$2 00
" 146--Patch work
Quilt, made by Ella Y Rupert 8 years old, unquilted; special Mrs. J. C. Rupert
$1 00
Silk
Quilts
No. 35--One silk Scrap
Quilt, Mosaic design, 1st prem, Mrs. C. C. Langdon
$5 00
" 28--One silk
Quilt, Mosaic block work, 2d prem, Mrs. W. T. Marshall
$4 00
" 20--Bed and Crib
Quilt, octagon star, 3d prem, Mrs. Jacob Magee
$4 00
Counterpanes
and Spreads
No. 32--One white
Spread, with knit fringe, 1st prem, Mrs. A. Golay
$2 00
" 151--White and
blue Spread, 2d prem, Miss J. A. Battelle
$2 00
1861
Savannah [GA] Republican, January
24, 1861, p. 1, c. 6
Direct
Importation
From England,
by
Nevitt, Lathrop & Rogers.
Bales Blankets. . .
Now
Landing,
From ship C. C. Duncan, From L'pool.
Also:
To Arrive, and Daily Expected, by
Ship New England, From L'ool:
Bales London Duffil
Blankets.
Bales London Union Blankets.
Bales London Colored Blankets. . .
[Little Rock] Weekly Arkansas Gazette, May 11, 1861,
p. 3, c. 3
Advice to Volunteers.—How to prepare for the Campaign.—A writer, who
signs himself "An Old Soldier," gives the following advice to young
soldiers: . . .
2. Line your blanket with
one thickness of brown drilling. This
adds but four ounces in weight, and doubles the warmth. . . .
7. A sudden check of
perspiration by chilly or night air often causes fever and death.
When thus exposed, do not forget your blanket.
Semi-Weekly Raleigh Register, May 18, 1861, p. 2, c. 2-3
Soldiers' Health.
From Hall's New York Journal of Health.
1. In any ordinary campaign,
sickness disables or destroys three times as many as the sword. . . .
4. Colored blankets are
best, and if lined with brown drilling the warmth and durability are doubled,
while the protection against dampness from lying on the ground, is almost
complete.
[Little Rock] Weekly Arkansas Gazette, May 25, 1861,
p. 2, c. 1
Suitable Materials for Army Clothing.—The following is from a graduate
of West Point, someone who has seen service, and whose opinions are entitled to
consideration:
. . . Clothing is usually issued twice a year, in quantities as follows:
To each soldier one hat, one forage camp, one uniform coat, two sack
coats, one pair drawers, three flannel shirts, four pair [illegible], four pair
stockings in one year, two blankets, two leather stocks in five years; three
pair of trowsers the first year, two pair the second.
[Little Rock] Weekly Arkansas Gazette, May 25, 1861,
p. 2, c. 5
Good Suggestion.—We have been shown by Dr. Everett a most excellent article
for our soldiers. It consists of
two widths of cotton osnaburgs sewed together, forming a blanket 2 ½ yards long
and 2 yards wide. It has a lit in
the middle, so as to serve as a Mexican ponchar [sic], and its chief use is to
sleep on and cover with at night. A
little paint and oil makes it an excellent water proof tarpaulin and the whole
cost will be about 76 cents. Every
soldier should instantly provide himself with one, for it is folly to go to the
field without something to protect from rain and dampness.
[Charlottesville Review.
[Marshall] Texas Republican, May 25, 1861,p. 2, c. 7
To
Young Soldiers.
How to prepare for the Campaign.—"An Old Soldier," in one of
our exchanges makes the following pithy hints to young volunteers, and they
should be heeded. . . .
2nd.
Line your blanket with one thickness of brown drilling.
This adds but four ounces in weight and doubles the warmth.
3rd.
Buy a small India-rubber blanket (only $1.50) to lay on the ground or to
throw over your shoulders when on guard duty during a rain-storm. Most of the Eastern troops are provided with these.
Straw to lie upon is not always to be had. . . .
7th.
A sudden check of perspiration by chilly or night air often causes fever
and death. When thus exposed do not
forget your blanket.
[Little Rock] Arkansas True Democrat, May 30, 1861,
p. 1, c. 6
Advice to Volunteers—How to Prepare for the Campaign.—A writer, who
signs himself "An Old Sodlier," gives the following advice to young
soldiers: . . .
2. Line your blanket with
one thickness of brown drilling. This
adds but four ounces in weight, and doubles the warmth.
3. Buy a small india-rubber
blanket—only $1 50—to lay on the ground or to throw over your shoulders when
on guard duty during a rain storm. . . .
7. A sudden check of perspiration by chilly or night air often causes
fever and death. When thus exposed do not forget your blanket.
[Little Rock] Weekly Arkansas Gazette, June 8, 1861,
p. 1, c. 6
Rules for Health.—The following [illegible] rules for soldiers, for the
[illegible] during a campaign, are written by Dr. Hall, editor of the New York
Journal of Health: . . .
4. Colored blankets are
best, and if lined with brown drilling the warmth and durability are doubled,
while the protection against dampness from lying on the ground is almost
complete.
[Little Rock] Arkansas True Democrat, June 13, 1861, p. 1, c. 2-3
Soldiers'
Health—Interesting Suggestions
and Recommendations.
The following article, on "Soldiers' Health," is
from Hall's New York Journal of Health. It contains much valuable information for both soldiers and
civilians: . . .
4. Colored blankets are best, and if lined with brown drilling
the warmth and durability are doubled, while the protection against dampness
from lying on the ground is almost complete. . . .
12. Never go to sleep, especially after a great effort, even in hot
weather, without some covering over you.
[Little Rock] Arkansas True Democrat, July 25, 1861, p. 2, c, 3
An Appeal to the Women of Arkansas.
It has been wisely suggested by a contemporary that the patriotic women
of the country should knit socks for the volunteers.
In addition to this we beg leave to call the attention of the true
hearted women of the country to some other points.
There will be, if the war continues, a scarcity of blankets, woolen
cloth, flannel, etc. These our
soldiers will need. As regards
blankets, each family can spare some. Those
who stay at home can use counterpanes and comforts.
The latter are easily and cheaply made, are warm and will supply the
places of blankets in the house.—Let the ladies, or to use a better and nobler
word, the women, set about making comforters for their beds, and be enabled to
send blankets to the army. Except
in cases of sickness, the use of blankets in the houses can be dispensed with. .
. .
[Little Rock] Arkansas True Democrat, July 25, 1861,
p. 3, c. 8 [most of right side of
paper folded and torn]
Summary: An Appeal to the Ladies of Arkansas. Seems to be for
blankets and socks.
Daily Chronicle & Sentinel [Augusta, Ga.],
July 26, 1861, p. 2, c. 4
Home-Made Blanket.--We have seen a magnificent home-spun blanket,
manufactured by Mrs. Frank M. David, of Jackson county, and presented to Capt.
A. C. Thompson, of the "Oconee Guards" of that county.
It is worth half-a-dozen common blankets. Our fair countrywomen can now do essential service to the
country by reviving the industrious habits of their mothers in the fabrication
of useful articles.--Athens Watchman.
Southern Confederacy [Atlanta, Ga.], July 26, 1861, p. 3, c. 1
Home-Made
Blanket.
The Athens Watchman speaks of having seen a magnificent home-spun
blanket, manufactured by Mrs. Frank M. David, of Jackson county, and presented
to Capt. A. C. Thompson, of the "Oconee Guards" of that county.
It is worth, he says, half a dozen common blankets.
Our fair country women can now do essential service to the country by
reviving the industrious habits of their mothers in the fabrication of useful
articles.
Daily Chronicle & Sentinel
[Augusta, Ga.], August 10, 1861,
p. 2, c. 3
Gov. Moore to the Alabama Ladies.--Gov. Moore, of Alabama, has issued his
proclamation recommending the women of each county, city, town, village and
neighborhood, in Alabama, to form "Soldiers' Aid Societies," and that
each Society inform him by letter, as early as possible, the number of woolen
uniforms, flannel shirts, and cotton-flannel drawers it can make or supply, and
that each family make contributions of blankets for the use of the troops of the
State, to the Judges of Probate in their respective counties, who will register
the name of the contributor and the number contributed, in a book to be kept by
him specially for that purpose, and who will box up and forward blankets,
whenever a sufficient number is obtained, to the Governor, who will defray the
expense of boxing and forwarding.
Semi-Weekly Raleigh Register, August 17, 1861, p. 3, c. 2
Winter Clothing for Soldiers.
We earnestly call attention to the circular of the Governor of this State which will be found in to-day's paper. If we would act justly by our gallant defenders, the men who are perilling their all in the defence of our rights, our lives and our liberties, we will lose no time in fitting them out as well as possible for their encounter with the rigors of a winter campaign. Exposed as they will be, in tents and in open air, night and day they will need their winter supplies in October. Let then every household that can spare any contribution, send it promptly forward. Blankets and good yarn country-knit Socks are especially needed.
Daily Chronicle & Sentinel
[Augusta, Ga.], August 21, 1861,
p. 3, c. 1
Clothing
for the Soldiers.--All who can do so should, at the earliest possible day, make
up something like the following, for their friends and relatives, omitting such,
of course, as have heretofore been furnished: . . .
One good blanket--lined is advisable.
[Little Rock] Arkansas True Democrat, August 22, 1861, p. 1, c.6
Clothing for the
Soldiers—Circular
Letter from the Military Board.
Office Military Board,
}
Little Rock, August 20, 1861.
}
. . .
Blankets are greatly needed and are indispensable to the comfort of our
soldiers. In many instances
domestic blankets may be manufactured. In
others they may be supplied by a division of the articles of that kind which
families have provided for themselves. There
is scarcely a house in the State in which there is not an excess of
bed-clothing. It is not making too
great a call on the patriotism of the county, at a time like this, to ask that
the soldiers be supplied from this surplus and abundance.
Where blankets cannot be supplied comforts may be substituted; but
brankets [sic] are much preferred. All
the other articles of soldiers clothing such as woolen uniforms, flannel shirts,
drawers, socks, etc., are equally needed. Whenever
shoes can be supplied they will also be received and paid for in the manner and
in the currency already indicated. . . .
H. M. Rector,
Benj. C. Totten,
Aug. 22, 1861.
Military Board.
Semi-Weekly Raleigh Register, August 24, 1861, p. 3, c. 3
For the Register.
Headquarters 5th Regiment }
. . . You ask what we require. We answer, overcoats, blankets, socks, shoes, flannel shirts, drawers. Look with me at that sentinel, who is now passing steadily along, while the clouds pour their fury upon him. What is thrown over his shoulders? His blanket. When his rounds are over what has he to cover him—that same wet blanket. And the nice socks and shoes which you were at provided, where are they? I hear this gentle voice continue. Gone, worn out, tramped out in marching and counter-marching, is our response; and to add to our anxieties, we now feel for the first time, the heavy hand of sickness in our camp. I say, for the first time, because at the Camp Winslow, our position was so pleasant, and we were so well cared for, that diseases of a severe kind touched us but lightly—indeed the 5th was the healthiest Regiment in the State. These rains and the want of sufficiently thick clothing have brought pneumonia upon us badly. Oh! could you hear the hollow coughs reverberating round you as I now hear them, the death-knell of many a brave and gallant though humble soldier, you would snatch the covers from your beds, the rugs from your luxurious firesides to protect and shelter them. . . It was however with an honest purpose and I have spoken frankly—you will always fine me a Plain Dealer.
August 13th, 1861.
[Marshall] Texas Republican, August 24, 1861, p. 1, c. 5-6
Letter
from Virginia.
Richmond, Va., August 6th, 1861.
R. W. Loughery, Esq.,
. . . Whatever may be our means to buy them—blankets are going to be
hard to get for our soldiers next fall. Let
me make a suggestion to our ladies. Every
household has several blankets, cotton is plenty, and calico is comparatively
cheap. Let our ladies go at once to manufacturing
"comforts" for home use and send the blankets to the soldiers. If a plan like this be adopted, those of us who will be
sleeping under warm cotton comforts at home next winter will feel all the better
to know that our gallant defenders in the mountains of Maryland, Virginia, and
Missouri have a warm and comfortable blanket voluntarily contributed by our
citizens. . . .
I have written you very hurriedly and hastily.
Yours truly,
W. B. Ochiltree.
[Little Rock] Weekly Arkansas Gazette, August 24,
1861, p. 2, c. 1
Clothing for the Soldiers.—The Military Board has sent circular letters
to the different counties, and published an advertisement in the True Democrat,
calling on the citizens to furnish clothing for our soldiers now in the field. .
. .
As blankets are necessary to our soldiers in camp, all who have extra
numbers of them are asked to divide with the soldiers.
All shoes which may be supplied will be paid for.
As winter approaches the committees are urged to be diligent and prompt
in the discharge of the duties assigned them.
Mobile
Register and Advertiser, August
24, 1861, p. 3, c. 1
Cotton
Batting for Comforts.
All persons wishing to make COMFORTS for Winter Covering, cam obtain
COTTON BATTING for the same at the Rooms of the MILITARY AID SOCIETY, No. 75
North Conception, between State and Congress streets.
Those who prefer to pay the Society for the BATTING, can do so, otherwise
it will be furnished free of charge.
aug11 1m
AD. Chaudron, Secretary.
The
Southern Watchman [Athens, Ga.],
August 28, 1861, p. 1, c. 5
Clothing for the Soldiers.
All who can do so should, at the earliest possible day, make up something
like the following, for their friends and relatives, omitting such, of course,
as have heretofore been furnished: . . .
One good blanket--lined is advisable.
[Little Rock] Arkansas True Democrat, August 29, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
Clothing for the Soldiers Again.
We again direct attention to the effort to supply our brave volunteers with the clothing necessary for the winter. The change of the weather and the time of the year admonish us that winter will soon be upon us and that we must be active and vigilant to meet the necessities of our winter preparations. The general and universal suspension of trade and commerce render it impossible to procure clothing in the ordinary markets of the country. We must rely upon the patriotism and liberality of the people to supply such comforts as will be necessary to keep our brave and patriotic little army in the field, during the coming winter months. It is a high necessity that addresses itself to every citizen who feels an interest in the cause in which we are all alike embarked. Then let the different agents of the State in the various counties proceed at once to the establishment of depots of clothing, and the procurement of subscriptions to it. Let the blankets and all supplies needed for clothing, or for shelter and comfort be forwarded immediately. At home, if need be, we can dispense with blankets, and substitute comforts, quilts and other coverlets. In the camp and in the field nothing will supply the place of the blanket. . . .
Daily Chronicle & Sentinel
[Augusta, Ga.], August 31, 1861,
p. 2, c. 1-2
Remember
the Soldier.
. . . The weather has recently been very wet in Virginia, and it is even
now getting quite cool, especially in the mountains.
And right now the soldiers need good blankets and flannel shirts almost
as much as they every will. . . .
It has been urged that as blankets are very scarce, if indeed it be
possible to buy them at all, the people should give their own to the soldiers.
We agree to this heartily, and when families can not afford to give them,
let them sell their blankets. Every
family can readily furnish from one to half a dozen, and use comforts, or
something of that sort for themselves. Blankets
are the only covering that will answer for the soldier in camp, and these ought
to be lined with oil-cloth if possible. Comforts,
sheets, coverlets and such like, should be contributed for hospital purposes,
but the blankets alone for the soldiers in service. Remember the soldier, and provide liberally and fully for all
the wants of those who are fighting for us who stay at home.
Daily Chronicle & Sentinel
[Augusta, Ga.], August 31, 1861,
p. 2, c. 2-3
Correspondence
of Savannah Republican.
Our Sick Soldiers--Winter Supplies.
Richmond, Virginia, August 25, 1861.
.
. . I was surprised to find, as you will be to hear, that eighty blankets could
not be bought in Richmond. . . . The
deficiency must be supplied from the people at home. Every family can give one blanket, and some can give more.
The little girls and the grandmothers can knit socks and gloves and
comforters, and the young ladies and middle-aged can spin and weave and sew, and
thus furnish the pants and coats. Everybody
should do something. The men will
advance the necessary funds. The
shoemakers will do their duty--I never knew one who would not.
But no more of them should think of volunteering.
They can do more at home--and so can gunsmiths, tailors and factory
operatives--than in the army.
. . . I tried yesterday to purchase a woolen neck tie or comforter for my
own use, but could not find one in Richmond.
If nothing better can be had, our women can sew together strips of
flannel or jeans, which would answer a very good purpose for the protection of
the throat. The men who fought at
Manassas will not be too proud to wear anything that comes from home.
[Little Rock] Arkansas True Democrat, September 5, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
Extract of a Letter from Capt. Galloway.
Camp at Pond Springs, Mo.,
}
August 21st, 1861.
}
We are getting along tolerably; our men are suffering for want of tents,
blankets and clothing; we are also running short of provisions,
have only flour, beef and bacon; no sugar or coffee.
This state of things cannot last long—if we cannot get provisions here,
we will have to move into Arkansas.
I told Lieut. King to see Vaughan, Ashley, Keatts and others, and try and
get them to send us 80 or 100 suits of clothes.
Try and do all you can for us. If
there is any probability of getting them, have the blouse or sack coat made of
some gray color—could get along without the pants if we can't get them.
I must close, nothing more at present.
M. G. G.
[Little Rock] Arkansas True Democrat, September 5,
1861, p. 2, c. 6
The undersigned, appointed by the Military Board, as a central committee
for the county of Pulaski, for the purpose of procuring clothing for the
soldiers, would state that they are ready to receive as donations or to purchase
and receipt for any articles suitable for that purpose. The room over the store of Mr. Jacob Hawkins, has been
tendered to the committee, as a place for deposit; and any article, such as
blankets, woolen socks, shirts or drawers, woolen cloths, suitable for making
soldiers' clothing and shoes will be received and receipted for by the
committee.
The committee wish to be advised by the people of the different townships
in regard to the expediency of appointing places of deposit in their townships
and also what points will be most convenient for that purpose.
M. H. Eastman,
Thos. Fletcher,
W. B. Easley.
Little Rock, Aug. 30, 1861.
Semi-Weekly Raleigh Register, September 7, 1861, p.
3, c. 3
For the Register.
Shameful Neglect—Who is to Blame?
Mr. Editor:--We have a right, for the sake of our friends, to make public
and special inquiry into the neglect which has followed some of our troops into
Virginia. The condition of the
noble 6th Regiment State Troops, which fought at Manassas and has
suffered much since, is matter of the deepest solicitude to those of its friends
who know the facts. . . .
Is there not humanity enough in North Carolina, or in the Southern
Confederacy, to remedy such a curse? Will
you tell the friends of that Regiment what to do?
Very Respectfully,
A. M.
Sept. 2nd, 1861.
Our correspondent will perceive, from the communication of Surgeon
General Johnson in another column, that measures have already been set on foot
to extend aid to our soldiers in the field, and to provide for their wants
during the approaching winter. . . .
For the Register.
General Military Hospital.
The object in establishing a General Hospital in Richmond, or some
suitable place in Virginia, is to relieve the wants and sufferings of the sick
and wounded soldiers of the North Carolina troops in Virginia, "which
may be found not sufficiently provided for under the rules of the War Department
of the Confederate States." . . .
The articles most needed at present by our sick soldiers, are Blankets,
Quilts, Shirts, Drawers, Mattress and Pillow-cases, Sheets, and Socks, Rice
Flour, Sago, and some Money, to buy such articles as cannot be sent from a
distance.
Chas. E. Johnson,
Surgeon General of N. C.
All papers friendly to the cause will please copy, and urge upon the people the
importance of this matter, and the necessity of promptly attending to it.
Natchez
Daily Courier, September 11,
1861, p. 1, c. 2
The committee appointed
by the ladies of Baton Rouge, La., to procure blankets for the use of the army,
reported 700 as the result of their explorations within the limits of that
city--besides many quilts and comforters which have been contributed.
Natchez
Daily Courier, September 17,
1861, p. 1, c. 1
We learn that the
Military Aid Society has shipped over 1000 lined blankets to the seat of war in
Virginia, and that they have over one thousand yet on hand to line.
They will be sent off as soon as they are made ready.
Although our people have been liberal--extremely so--in supplying the
societies with blankets, there are still more wanted.
Bring them forth, and place comforts on your own beds in their stead.
We would suggest to the ladies that cotton batting can be obtained at
Jackson; a most excellent and convenient article for making comforts.
Semi-Weekly Raleigh Register, September 18, 1861, p.
3, c. 2
For the Register.
To the People of North Carolina.
The General Military Hospital for taking care of the sick and wounded of
the North Carolina troops will be established in Petersburg, Virginia, and will
be ready for the accommodation of patients in a few weeks.
There will be required for the use of this Hospital, two hundred and
fifty pair of sheets; two hundred and fifty pillow ticks, and as many pillow
cases; two hundred and fifty pair of blankets; as many pair of drawers, and
socks of wool and cotton, and two hundred and fifty shirts; two hundred and
fifty towels, and any quantity of hard soap, such as is very much needed at this
time in all the Regiments. . . .
Charles E. Johnson,
Surg. Gen'l N. C.
The
Southern Watchman [Athens, Ga.],
September 18, 1861, p. 3, c. 1
[left edge cut off, but
gives dimensions for hospital shirts, short bed gowns, cotton drawers, comforts
(42x78), pillow sacks, mattress sacks--can get copy from original???]
Natchez
Daily Courier, September 20,
1861, p. 1, c. 1
Recipe for Coloring
Blankets. Make a strong solution of
Red Oak Bark, put a table spoonful of Copperas in the solution, boil a few
minutes and stir well. Put your
white blankets in the solution and boil them half an hour; take them out and
soak them in weak ley then rinse them well in warm soap suds and hang out to
dry.
These directions if followed will give a most desirable [dye?] for an
army blanket.
[Marshall] Texas Republican, September 21, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
We hope that every family in Harrison county will contribute every
blanket they can spare to our noble, self sacrificing, brave volunteers.
Supply their places with comforts, and send in the blankets without
delay. Winter is nearly upon us,
and our soldiers are stationed in rigorous latitudes, where they will need every
blanket we can send them. It will
never do for those at home to be surrounded with every comfort, and our friends
abroad, engaged in the defence of all that we hold dear, to be suffering.
Let us make them feel that our hearts are with them and the glorious
cause which they are defending, and that all that we possess is at the service
of our country.
[Little Rock] Arkansas True Democrat, September 26, 1861, p. 3, c. 1
To the Merchants of Arkansas.
We call attention to the subjoined call of Maj. Clark for clothing, and material. Those who have articles of this kind for sale would do well to inform Maj. Clark of the number and their prices. Our troops must be supplied, and those having these things for sale must furnish them.
Clothing for our Soldiers.
A. Q. M's Office, Fort Smith, Ark.,
}
September 12th, 1861.
}
It will require the combined efforts of all patriotic citizens in aid of
the quarter master's department, to supply sufficient comfortable clothing to
our gallant troops during the coming winter.
With the view of furnishing the troops on the Arkansas frontier, the
merchants of the States are requested to inform this office, at an early day, of
the quality, quantity and prices of such articles as they can supply as follows:
. . .
Blanket Coats, . . .
Jeans, Blankets, . . .
Contributions of any of the above named articles from our liberal citizens will
be received in the general stock of clothing for the army, or forwarded to
particular individuals. The
citizens of every town and village can appoint a receiver, who will receive,
pack, mark and forward to this office their contributions.
Geo. W. Clark,
Major A. Q. M.
[Little Rock] Arkansas True Democrat, September 26, 1861, p. 3, c. 5
Clothing for the
Soldiers of the Hot Spring
Rifle Company "E." 12th Regiment Ar-
kansas Volunteers.
It is earnestly requested by the captains, lieutenants and privates of
said county, that all who can do so should, at the earliest possible day, make
up something like the following for their friends and relatives:
Two pair of pants, of heavy brown or gray mixed jeans, lined if though
proper, with domestic. One
roundabout or jacket of the same material, lined throughout, with side and vest
pockets, it should be long enough to come some four inches below the waistband
of the pants and large enough to be worn over the vest or outside shirt. One heavy vest of jeans, linsey or kersey, one overshirt of
woolen or mixed goods; one or two pair of drawers, as the case may require, two
pair of socks, one good blanket is advisable, one overcoat or a loose sack coat,
or a hunting shirt with a belt.
E. C. Jones, Capt.,
of Hot Spring Rifle Co., "E." 12th A. R. V.
P. S.—These goods can all be boxed up together with each man's name
upon his goods and forwarded. The
proper information will be given in due time how and where they will be
forwarded to.
E. C. J.
Southern
Confederacy [Atlanta, Ga.],
September 27, 1861, p. 2, c. 1-2
Ladies'
Relief Society.
September 24th 1861.
. . . Contents of boxes
sent to "Hospital" were: . . .
36 blankets, 3 coverlets, 24 comforts, 2 bed ticks, 6 pillows, 20 pairs
sheets, 29 pairs pillow cases, 2 bolster cases, 60 towels, 31 pairs drawers, 60
shirts, 36 bundles eatables, 2 bushels dried apples, 1 bag rags--old linen and
cotton. . .
Mrs. W. F. Westmoreland,
President.
Caro. Yancey,
Assistant Secretary.
Mobile
Register and Advertiser, October
2, 1861, p. 2, c. 3
Noteworthy.--Mrs. Tazwell Tanner, of Charlotte, N. C., whose husband is a
worthy laboring man, being called on by a committee to receive any contributions
in blankets or clothing she might feel able to give for our soldiers, promptly
and cheerfully placed at the disposal of the committee every blanket in her
possession--six in number--and insisted that they be accepted.--When advised
that she was too liberal--that she had better keep a couple for her own use, she
replied that she could make comforts and get along well enough without
them--that the brave soldiers would need them and she was glad she enjoyed the
privilege to contribute that much to their comfort.
The
Southern Watchman [Athens, Ga.],
October 2, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
We were shown recently
a lot of heavy woollen gloves, comforts, &c. fabricated by Misses Matthews,
of Jackson county, for some of our brave volunteers in Virginia.
We had no idea that such articles could be gotten up here in such
beautiful style. They reflect much
credit upon the taste, skill and patriotism of the young ladies, and will no
doubt contribute much to the comfort of those for whom they were made.
[Little Rock] Arkansas True Democrat, October 3,
1861, p. 2, c. 4
During the past two or three years, we have repeatedly urged urged [sic?]
upon the farmers of Arkansas the importance of raising sheep. We may estimate the sheep in Arkansas at 150,000, which, at
an average of two pounds to the fleece, would give 300,000 pounds of wool.
The population of Arkansas requires, for blankets, clothing, etc., two
and a half millions of pounds of wool annually.—If the blockade is ever
broken, one of the leading imports will be wool and woolen goods.
Austin
State Gazette, October 5, 1861,
p. 1, c. 5
Bastrop, Sept. 27, 1861.
Editor State Gazette:
Sir--At a meeting held by the ladies of Bastrop county, on the 6th of
August, they proceeded to organize an "Aid Society," for the benefit
of our soldiers, during the war.
The immediate object of the society was to procure thick clothing,
blankets, wollen [sic] socks, &c., for Capt. Highsmith's company, which had
left this county, to join Parson's regiment.
In the course of two weeks, we obtained a sufficient quantity of clothing
to render them comfortable during the winter.
The
members of the society are not engaged in spinning yarn, knitting socks,
collecting blankets, and making comfortables, to be sent to our soldiers,
wherever they may be needed. Application
has been made to the Governor, for material from the Penitentiary, of which, of
obtained, we intend to manufacture winter clothing for the destitute, thereby
hoping to alleviate to some degree, the hardships incident to a soldier's life.
MISS. L. SCOTT, } Corresponding Committee.
MRS. S. J. ORGAIN}
The
Southern Watchman [Athens, Ga.],
October 9, 1861, p. 1, c. 3
Soldier's Aid Society.--The following report speaks volumes in favor of
the ladies of Clarke county:
Quarterly Report of the Soldier's Aid Society of Clarke county.
No. of coats
301
Canteen covers
160
pants,
297
Comforters
6
shirts,
794
Havelocks
60
draws,
621
Extra garments,
65
socks,
348
Total
2,595
The Society takes this opportunity to thank the Ladies of Watkinsville
for their cheerful assistance in making the above mentioned articles.
Sept. 30, 1861.
Susan A. Lipscomb, Sec.
Tennessee Baptist, October 12, 1861, p. 4, c. 2
Cumberland Ford, Ky., Oct. 3, 1861.
Our Battalion left Knoxville in high spirits, knowing as soon as
Kentucky's green fields lay before them, that active service would drive away
their animosities, and unite them as a band of brothers. . . About 18 miles from
here, the news reached us that the Southern troops that preceded us, had
possession of Barbersville. We
hurried on, and that night we slept for the first night in our lives beneath the
roofs of our enemies. Then
commenced a scene of plunder. In
every direction lay trampled under foot, bed-quilts, sheets, beds, female
articles of dress, and every thing which the soldier considered valueless, or
which he could not conveniently carry. Homes
of families that had hitherto been the pride of its inmates were given to
destruction, by the hands of—I blush to say it—Tennessee Soldiers.
Every nook and corner was ransacked, and its precious things hid beneath
the folds of the soldier's uniform. It
was indeed a distressing scene of robbery.
Even the jewelry which had in former times adorned the fairest of that
village, became the spoil of those mercenary soldiers in our army that know not
the true spirit of patriotism, and who are destitute of every honorable
principle. The place was left in ruins, some houses not retaining any
thing in them but the naked beds. All
else were carried off, or utterly ruined by the tramp of the robber soldier.
I too took from the house of a Captain in Lincoln's army, two poetical
works and a blanket. These I
considered contraband articles of war, since they belonged to a Captain
of Lincoln. But I ruined nothing,
and saved all that I could. . . .
Marion.
[Marshall] Texas Republican, October 12, 1861, p. 1, c. 4
To
the People of Texas.
Adjutant General's Office,
Austin, September 4, 1861.
The Secretary of War of the Confederate States, has requested the State
Executive to have made up, at an early day, a large quantity of Woolen Clothing,
to supply the wants of the army, to be charged to the Confederate Government. The Medical Purveyor has also asked aid from the Executive on
a plan to procure blankets for the sick and wounded of the army.
he suggests very wisely that almost every family, with little or no
inconvenience to itself, can contribute a blanket or comfortable to this
Department. Warmly approving these
suggestions, the Executive issued his address of the 31st ult.,
inviting the formation in every county in the State, of a Society or Committee
to solicit and receive heavy clothing, blankets, comfortables, and other
articles which will be needed by our army during the coming winter.
The military stores thus furnished, will be paid for in the bonds of the
Confederate States. To effectuate this plan, depots will be established at
central points, under the superintendence of the following agents, viz: . .
.
To give vigor, efficiency, and life to this plan the great body of our
citizens must lend to it their persevering and active labors.
No appeal can be necessary to arouse them to early and efficient action,
to prevent a frequent recurrence among the brave youth whom we have sent from
our mild climate, to Virginia and Missouri, of the horrors of Valley Forge.
No time should be lost. Winter
will soon be upon them.
Wm. Byrd, Adjutant General.
[Little Rock] Arkansas True Democrat, October 17, 1861, p. 3, c. 4
Patriotic Ladies.
When the aged matron, who has passed her three score years, takes hold of
the disstaff [sic] and makes clothes and jeans for the soldiers, Abraham Lincoln
may never expect to subdue the South. Here
the ladies of South Arkansas are at work—some knitting socks and making jeans,
and 150 have joined into a society, the Soldier's Aid Society, in Camden; that
the sons and brothers of our county may never want for warm clothing or
blankets. We will send them our
blankets most willingly—we can make plenty of comforts for our homes. . .
.
[Little Rock] Arkansas True Democrat, October 24,
1861, p. 2, c. 3
To one who has not attempted the calculation, the value of the voluntary
contributions to the army, made by the patriotic women of Arkansas, would almost
exceed belief. In a late number of
the Chicot Press is a list of one lot sent to the Chicot Rangers.
The list is half a column long. It
enumerates blankets, overcoats, coats, pants, drawers, shirts and various other
articles. The whole value must be several thousand dollars.
Going home one evening last week, we met five wagons heavily laden with
clothing for the volunteers. These
were from the southern part of the State. Every
county has contributed more or less and each has nobly done its duty.
The value of the articles sent from Pulaski county has been estimated at
$18,000. The goods already sent
could not be bought with a quarter of a million of dollars.—Here and
elsewhere, the patriotic women have taken the blankets from their beds and sent
them to the soldiers. In Johnson
county, the merchants offered premiums to the young ladies who made the best or
most jeans, and other woolen goods, and the result was that large quantities of
excellent goods were brought in, made up and sent to the soldiery.
[Little Rock] Arkansas True Democrat, October 24, 1861, p. 3, c. 4
Letter from Capt. Holmes.
Camp Hardee, Pitman's Ferry,
}
October 14th, 1861.
}
Men and Women of Dallas County—
If anything could add to the pleasure and satisfaction of this hour, it
would be to know that you were gazing upon the scene that greets my eyes.
It would need no words of grateful and heartfelt acknowledgment from me
for your prompt, energetic and efficient aid in behalf of the gallant and brave
boys of my command, could you see them as I do, now neatly and
comfortably clad; behold their smiling, happy faces; and hear them greet each
other with the oft-repeated, "God bless the good people of Dallas
county." But I have just
returned from a visit among you and my heart tells me that I must thank you.
No one knows better than myself how much you have labored, nor how
willingly and cheerfully you have given your money to aid in clothing these
honorable, noble hearted, yet half naked soldiers.
To this end, I have seen the mothers and daughters of Dallas, bending
over their work, day after day, night after night; yes, week after week. I have seen mothers strip the soft, warm blankets from their
beds and with their blessings send them as covering to their ab